Defense Tax Group

Property Tax Consultant in Los Angeles, California

3(22 reviews)
(310) 746-473512121 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 250, Los Angeles, CA 90025View on Yelp
Defense Tax Group - property tax consultant in Los Angeles, CA

Client Reviews

3
out of 5
22 reviews

Based on Yelp ratings

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About Defense Tax Group

Defense Tax Group is a Los Angeles-based tax resolution firm that handles property tax appeals alongside a broader range of services, including IRS debt relief and tax law matters. The firm markets itself as a one-stop option for clients managing multiple tax issues simultaneously, which can make sense when a property assessment dispute is part of a larger financial picture. Reviews are mixed, sitting at 3 stars, and potential clients should go in with realistic expectations. Some clients report positive outcomes, particularly those using the firm for combined tax resolution and property appeal work. Others have noted slower communication and outcomes that didn't fully meet initial expectations. If you only need a property tax appeal without accompanying debt issues, it's worth comparing them against firms that specialize more narrowly in assessment appeals.

Services

Tax Services
Debt Relief Services
Tax Law

How They Can Help

Defense Tax Group offers property tax appeal services alongside a broader set of tax resolution and legal services. On the property tax side, they handle assessment appeals for residential and commercial properties in L.A. County, including application preparation, comparable analysis, and representation before the Assessment Appeals Board. Beyond property tax, the firm provides IRS debt negotiation, offer-in-compromise assistance, installment agreement negotiation, and penalty abatement requests for federal tax debt. They also handle California Franchise Tax Board resolution for state tax debt and back-tax issues. For clients dealing with both a property assessment dispute and unresolved federal or state tax debt, working with a single firm can reduce the coordination burden. However, clients who only need a property tax appeal may find that a more specialized firm delivers more focused expertise. Defense Tax Group's property tax team handles standard appeal filings and hearing representation, but the firm's primary orientation is broader tax resolution rather than assessment appeals specifically.

What to Expect

For property tax appeals, Defense Tax Group follows the standard California procedure. The process begins with an initial consultation to review your current assessment and determine whether there are legitimate grounds to appeal. If the assessment appears excessive, they prepare and file the appeal application with the L.A. County Assessment Appeals Board. From there, they gather supporting evidence, coordinate with appraisers if needed, and schedule representation at your hearing. Post-hearing, they monitor for the board's decision and handle any follow-up required. For clients managing IRS or state tax issues alongside a property appeal, the firm can run both tracks at the same time. Response times and communication frequency may vary depending on staff capacity and caseload, so it's worth establishing clear timeline expectations at the start of your engagement rather than assuming a standard turnaround.

Service Area

Defense Tax Group serves clients throughout Los Angeles County for property tax appeals and handles broader tax resolution matters for California taxpayers dealing with federal or state issues. Their Los Angeles office works with clients remotely across the region. For property tax appeals specifically, they cover residential and commercial properties across L.A. County. Tax resolution services are available to clients anywhere in California managing IRS or Franchise Tax Board matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Defense Tax Group specialize in property tax appeals?
Property tax appeals are one of their services, but not their only focus. The firm handles a broader range of tax resolution work, including IRS debt and state tax matters. That breadth can be an advantage if you have multiple tax issues, but clients with only a property appeal may prefer a more specialized firm.
What are the fees for a property tax appeal?
Fee structures vary depending on the case and service type. Property appeals may be handled on contingency or flat fee, and terms are discussed during the initial consultation. Ask specifically about your situation since there's no single standard rate across all cases.
Can they help with both my property taxes and IRS debt at the same time?
Yes. That's actually one of their stronger use cases. If you're dealing with both an assessment dispute and federal tax debt, managing both through one firm reduces the administrative burden. They can run both processes in parallel and keep you informed through a single point of contact.
How long does a property tax appeal take?
For residential properties in L.A. County, most appeals take six to eighteen months from filing to decision. Commercial cases can take longer. The board's current caseload affects timing, and the firm should be able to give you a rough estimate based on what's typical right now.
What if I'm not satisfied with how my case is being handled?
Start by raising your concerns directly with the firm in writing. Document your communications so there's a clear record. If the issue isn't resolved, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs, which licenses the firm. Reviewing the fee agreement before you sign is the best way to avoid disputes later.
Do I need to come into the office?
Most of the work can be done remotely. You'll share documents electronically and receive updates by phone or email. The firm can represent you at hearings without your presence required.
What's an offer-in-compromise and do I qualify?
An offer-in-compromise is an IRS program that lets eligible taxpayers settle their federal tax debt for less than the full amount owed. Qualifying depends on your income, assets, and ability to pay. Defense Tax Group can assess your eligibility during an initial consultation.
What documents should I bring to my first appointment?
For a property tax appeal, bring your current tax bill and Notice of Assessed Value. For tax debt matters, bring any IRS or FTB notices, recent tax returns, and a summary of your income and assets. The more context you provide upfront, the faster the team can assess your situation.

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